tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30057328070613724392017-07-29T00:56:48.199-07:00Dog Days in ArizonaThe diary of a working woman living in Metro Phoenix, and pursuing a healthy life while dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and food allergiesVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.comBlogger1380125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-71940437912329424462016-11-01T18:33:00.000-07:002016-11-01T18:33:00.149-07:00Red EyesI've been seeing Dr. C, an eye specialist, for my nearly constantly watering irritated eyes. Today, he revisited the idea of Lipiflow ($750 out of pocket) in conjunction with another treatment (3 times at $350 each). I'm not even getting the spray he wanted me to use on my eyelids because my insurance doesn't cover it and it's about $700. But I'm considering it.<br /><br />I think my medical bills are so high this year, I may be eligible for a federal tax deduction for the rest of what I spend at this point, so maybe this is the time. On the other hand, I don't have the money, so it's going to go on my credit card and have interest charged.<br /><br />In the meantime, he mixed some standard eye drops with some type of glaucoma medicine that he said helps with the redness. It worked right away too. It won't make my eyes less irritated, but I won't look like I've been smoking. So there's that.<br /><br />Also of note, since I hit my deductible, I am getting my Restasis for free from Costco. I got a 3 month supply and I'll get another right before the end of the year. I am trying to figure out how that works if I change insurance. My insurance rate goes up December 1, dental goes up January 1, and COBRA coverage ends March. So I'm in the market. I can't even hope for something better, just maybe not worse...Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-28450015692948079232016-10-11T22:26:00.001-07:002016-11-01T15:41:07.013-07:00Phase Four<div dir="ltr">I'm in the Phase Four trial for Alemtuzamab (Lemtrada) now.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"></div><ul><li>500 meter walk under 8 minutes</li><li>Read second line from bottom, right eye, was not 20/20. Less able on left eye.</li><li>EDSS: 2 at factor 2, several ones.</li><li>No reflex in left knee, and he kept trying. Um, ow, cut it out, dude. There's no reflex--pounding on it won't make it happen.</li><li>Abnormal reflex for bottom of feet but it was symmetrical so not an issue.</li></ul><br />The visit took so long. SO LONG. I'm probably going to have to take vacation days for these visits. Definitely the next one--there's all of this plus the MRI.Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-37397773482061656392016-09-30T21:42:00.000-07:002016-11-15T11:54:09.998-07:00September updateOh, the things that happened this month:<br /><br /><ul><li>birthday party for my niece's daughter</li><li>Labor Day swimming at my cousin's</li><li>(always) Dr. Q</li><li>webinar on natural treatments--mostly talking about mushrooms (I don't have time for more crazy #justsaying)</li><li>endocrinologist appointment--she was not impressed with how quickly my primary doctor reduced my thyroid meds so she asked me to come back next month for new labs; I am currently taking 100 mcg of Levothyroxine (Synthroid)</li><li>work dinner Olive and Ivy--pretty good, and accommodating</li><li>went to Becketts Table and it wasn't as good as I remember, kind of weird actually; a small, tasty piece of salmon on a plate of carrots and a side of green beans after I was done eating.</li><li>went to my niece's daughter's and son's birthday party at a park</li></ul><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMTbzUnc5gI/WCtVPuGwZdI/AAAAAAAAV4A/5n7N-EimYTc6a44Ed2rMxzn5ynwWNIItQCKgB/s1600/IMAG1160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMTbzUnc5gI/WCtVPuGwZdI/AAAAAAAAV4A/5n7N-EimYTc6a44Ed2rMxzn5ynwWNIItQCKgB/s320/IMAG1160.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cat in a bag - tongue out Tinker</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7ksJ2fax3c/WCtVPinbXXI/AAAAAAAAV4A/lDxteNiG9rE4MK8waLo9VKuhTQZ69BgRACKgB/s1600/IMAG1163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7ksJ2fax3c/WCtVPinbXXI/AAAAAAAAV4A/lDxteNiG9rE4MK8waLo9VKuhTQZ69BgRACKgB/s320/IMAG1163.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sandwich on Bread SRSLY (a gift!) #giddy</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG6HOqEBTm8/WCtVPrAM8eI/AAAAAAAAV4A/uVJMxpMKDrYdHNxxryPbQO6x253jCvYQwCKgB/s1600/IMAG1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG6HOqEBTm8/WCtVPrAM8eI/AAAAAAAAV4A/uVJMxpMKDrYdHNxxryPbQO6x253jCvYQwCKgB/s320/IMAG1180.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sandwich on a Bread SRSLY roll #happiness</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gknywZt2Z-0/WCtVPs-1e8I/AAAAAAAAV4A/fXIrPpZcef0DzOppOb3kaaCEaJEqNSzuACKgB/s1600/IMAG1172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gknywZt2Z-0/WCtVPs-1e8I/AAAAAAAAV4A/fXIrPpZcef0DzOppOb3kaaCEaJEqNSzuACKgB/s320/IMAG1172.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Cassi--but I missed the photo contest deadline</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1q3y4nqpVI/WCtVPtsaBzI/AAAAAAAAV4A/r0vEBnNnZ140WXSsfBTDj05HPXaszHllwCKgB/s1600/IMAG1174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1q3y4nqpVI/WCtVPtsaBzI/AAAAAAAAV4A/r0vEBnNnZ140WXSsfBTDj05HPXaszHllwCKgB/s320/IMAG1174.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm, bacon--the low sodium has a shorter ingredient list.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COv4z19GclM/WCtVPtSbzzI/AAAAAAAAV4A/dErZsTSB1Qgm7GKxJWiEyHtMGnq7cerIQCKgB/s1600/IMAG1175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COv4z19GclM/WCtVPtSbzzI/AAAAAAAAV4A/dErZsTSB1Qgm7GKxJWiEyHtMGnq7cerIQCKgB/s320/IMAG1175.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poPGszjRziA/WCtVPlXXlaI/AAAAAAAAV4A/DZ4kPmL4png54yS1L0vyotbv9QsAtv0uACKgB/s1600/IMAG1176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poPGszjRziA/WCtVPlXXlaI/AAAAAAAAV4A/DZ4kPmL4png54yS1L0vyotbv9QsAtv0uACKgB/s320/IMAG1176.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon, and bacon wrapped apricots #yum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgeEjvFbo68/WCtVPuOFOKI/AAAAAAAAV4A/9x5YFomB-Cgt9kvSZC5ZKGLT8Xjx_InTQCKgB/s1600/IMAG1177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgeEjvFbo68/WCtVPuOFOKI/AAAAAAAAV4A/9x5YFomB-Cgt9kvSZC5ZKGLT8Xjx_InTQCKgB/s320/IMAG1177.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No weird ingredients--a Costco find!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5y8NK-lpXQ/WCtVPiqTRJI/AAAAAAAAV4A/5o9qO2GZhxYnqYlsrT6z31-xrM3Pm1k8QCKgB/s1600/IMAG1179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5y8NK-lpXQ/WCtVPiqTRJI/AAAAAAAAV4A/5o9qO2GZhxYnqYlsrT6z31-xrM3Pm1k8QCKgB/s320/IMAG1179.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tri-tip after cooking #nomnom</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlJ1-hxMYM/WCtVPjzlWGI/AAAAAAAAV4A/NFkBVj5kOyAqrZyYO0-G9Nl2Pn709Tw7gCKgB/s1600/IMAG1178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlJ1-hxMYM/WCtVPjzlWGI/AAAAAAAAV4A/NFkBVj5kOyAqrZyYO0-G9Nl2Pn709Tw7gCKgB/s320/IMAG1178.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roasted asparagus</td></tr></tbody></table>My major malfunction has been the eye doctor/glasses shopping. This seems like a short, simple process for most people. However, I:<br /><br /><ul><li>went to the eye doctor, got a glasses prescription,&nbsp;</li><li>went to Costco and found frames, had glasses and sunglasses made,&nbsp;</li><li>picked up new glasses and sunglasses, couldn't see but they said it was the prescription,</li><li>went back to adjust (the ear piece was painful),</li><li>went back to the eye doctor but they just had me see one of the technicians in the front and said it was probably the coating on the lenses (#WTF),&nbsp;</li><li>went back to Costco where they checked the prescription and sent the glasses back to be remade, but not the sunglasses,&nbsp;</li><li>picked those up and still couldn't see,&nbsp;</li><li>made and had an appointment with my friend's eye doctor at another Costco, got a new prescription,&nbsp;</li><li>got my glasses and sunglasses remade, picked up the glasses first,</li><li>picked up the sunglasses and had the glasses in for an adjustment.</li></ul><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-bK4BA1cKY/WCtVPuc0ByI/AAAAAAAAV4A/dAI_1uyx_4gS6mnxCQ9kvk7rNEbVCMWuACKgB/s1600/IMAG1165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-bK4BA1cKY/WCtVPuc0ByI/AAAAAAAAV4A/dAI_1uyx_4gS6mnxCQ9kvk7rNEbVCMWuACKgB/s320/IMAG1165.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this style of sunglasses</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I still need to take the sunglasses in for adjustment as one of the arms is too loose, but seriously, who else goes through this kind of crazy to cross ONE ITEM OFF MY LIST? I cope but I hate that this is my normal. An item on my to-do list took me two months to accomplish. I can't wait to do it again next year! #IspeaksarcasmVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-71123665161748625952016-04-15T18:46:00.000-07:002016-11-01T15:47:40.194-07:00Just venting<div dir="ltr">I went to the eye clinic this morning. I was there for two hours. It was overwhelming and sucky; it was maybe beneficial. Tests were done. Treatment options and the huge cost to me were discussed. The plug was removed from a gland in my left eye but the one in the right was not removed.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I didn't fall apart till I left.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOLiilQSkXw/VxE3_nnUbKI/AAAAAAAATY0/_PDsGlfjZW0/s1600/FB_IMG_1457394489922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOLiilQSkXw/VxE3_nnUbKI/AAAAAAAATY0/_PDsGlfjZW0/s640/FB_IMG_1457394489922.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I. Am. So. Tired. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of sleeping - not enough because I can't, or enough, or more than enough, and in all cases, still feeling bone weary exhausted. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of appointments and tests and treatments with no real benefit. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of spending So Much Fucking Money on my health. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of making decisions about what to try next or what to skip altogether. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of being a guinea pig. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of doctors who don't know me after years of seeing me. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of eating "right" and still fighting my digestive system. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of thinking I should or could do more (I should do that diet and figure out what *else* I can't eat). </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of collecting diseases. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm tired of fighting but it's all I know.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">#justventing #FML #MSwarrior #MSismybitch #Iamenough #NoOneTalksAboutGravesDisease #lostmythyroidhaveyouseenit #MSsucksballs #autocorrecthatesfucking #butIlookgood #outofspoons #allergicgirl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-71481870165296830822016-04-05T19:22:00.000-07:002016-11-01T16:25:15.236-07:00Phase 4 trialI still haven't gotten my last check from the Phase 3 trial but here we are, on to Phase 4. It's at Barrow's, and it took a little finding. No tests were really done today, just a review of my file. It appears I cannot change my initials to match my name but otherwise, pretty uneventful. And I only have to go every six months!Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-51407682185259571142016-01-12T20:35:00.000-07:002016-11-01T15:52:39.582-07:00Last Phase 3 visit<div dir="ltr">It seems I'm doing pretty good overall. My EDSS was 2.5 and I did the 500 meter walk in 9 minutes. I'm done with the Phase 3 trial and moving on to the Phase 4 trial, which is done at Barrow's, so my contact will change, as well as the location, and I'm sure some other relevant things.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I'm not sad about that change, since I'm having trouble getting my contact information updated and the piddly payments I'm supposed to get are sporadically given to me. That may seem minor but I get TAXED on that shit! So of course, she did not have my check today. She's going to send it. Probably to the wrong address since I can't get her to update it. It's always something...</div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-7077805195072949542015-10-08T18:27:00.000-07:002015-10-08T18:27:00.081-07:00Break<div class="blogaway-section">I realize I have been MIA. I have posted <a href="http://azbirddogs.blogspot.com/2015/01/of-good-courage.html">once this year</a>. And that was only a Bible verse. I have a LOT of drafts and photos that may never be posted. The perfectionist in me is not happy about this. At. All.&nbsp;But.<br /><br />But. Oh, where to start...<br /><br />My posts became more infrequent and less personal last year as I started changing my story. See, I'm a good southern girl. Marriage is forever; you only leave if he's hitting you or cheating on you. You don't leave for all the other reasons that eventually make you feel less yourself, unimportant, stressed out, out of control, and hopeless. With some help from my sister and a few patient friends who didn't tell me what to do but let me know all the important things that eventually seeped in, I changed my story.<br /><br />They told me:<br /><br /><b><i>My happiness is as important as his. I deserve to be happy. I am worthy. I need to choose me. Love yourself. It's okay to be divorced.</i></b><br /><br />Ooh, deep breath. That last one...it was hard but my sister asked how I felt about her being divorced and then why it was okay for her but not me. Damn, girl. That was what I needed to hear.<br /><br />But it took me some time. I thought I could make it work. He didn't want to go to counseling. PEOPLE! If your girl or guy asks you about counseling, something is wrong. GO!<br /><br />I started the new year with bronchitis. I was so sick of being sick. I was tired of getting help that wasn't helpful. I was tired of redacting my blog posts to not offend potential readers who know me IRL. I was tired of relying on my friends for support my spouse did not want to give. I was tired of his jealousy of my friends who were just trying to be there for me as I fell apart.<br /><br />I decided I would make my number one priority this year my health. I would ask myself "does this support or improve my health?" I wanted to be intentional about focusing on what I could control and (trying to) let the rest go.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0jbQ3H8VDE/VhbeavW-E2I/AAAAAAAARDM/SEf2B8sJMvs/s1600/PST_Focus_ThingsThatMatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0jbQ3H8VDE/VhbeavW-E2I/AAAAAAAARDM/SEf2B8sJMvs/s320/PST_Focus_ThingsThatMatter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Focus via the Behavior Gap</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />There was an argument. I told him I didn't feel safe in my kitchen due to the "help" I was getting from a family member. He assured me it was my kitchen; I should feel safe. But my food allergies weren't taken seriously. A few days later...<br /><br />The last straw. Some people who <i>get</i> my allergy issues understand this was indicative of the relationship; others only see this as the last straw. I see it as both. He cut some Velveeta, which of course I can't eat, then wiped the knife on the towel hanging on the front of the sink. The one I use for my hands. And dishes.<br /><br />I questioned him and he said I should assume the towels are contaminated. Um, then I should NOT feel safe in "my" kitchen. <b>I realized HE was an obstacle to my health.</b><br /><br />And I was done. I started looking for a rental. Someone pressured me into scheduling counseling, even if I had to go alone. When I told him, he tried to argue that we didn't need it. He decided to go when I told him we might not need it but I'm moving out. <br /><br />So he went with me.<br /><br />It was enlightening. He finally heard me. He said several things that opened my eyes that we were living his life and his dreams and he ignored the things I said, the things I let him know were important, and the things I needed. And it had been this way since our first date. No wonder I was so miserable. (Don't get me wrong--there was a time we were happy. And THAT makes me the saddest of all.)<br /> <br />I moved out. We hired a mediator. (I hate her; don't ask for a recommendation.) He decided to take an out of state transfer for work. (His job wasn't staying here.) We sold our house--his dream house, this overwhelming weight dragging me down. We split the dogs and the stuff, with the only real debate coming from my desire to keep our piano.<br /><br />While I was looking at how to improve my health, some things happened at work that concerned me. I thought I would tackle getting a new job next year but several opportunities came up and I started a new job.<br /><br />I'm currently in the process of buying a house; my rental is going to be sold soon so it is time to find my permanent place.<br /><br />I have worked so hard this year to take this picture of what I want my life to be and make it my reality. I'm creating my bubble.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPkn5jAQO00/VhbfuY_CGsI/AAAAAAAARDY/c47RDMJZ60M/s1600/image001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPkn5jAQO00/VhbfuY_CGsI/AAAAAAAARDY/c47RDMJZ60M/s320/image001.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I will share a little of my bubble with you.</div><br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0Phoenix, United States33.5825855 -112.0086264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-47026496693293113202015-01-15T18:15:00.000-07:002015-01-15T18:15:00.488-07:00Of good courage<h3 class="qt-before" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center;">Your verse is:</h3><h3 class="qt-short" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">Deu 31:6</h3><h4 class="qt-long" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.</h4>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-63372820852606553672014-12-26T22:41:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:22:54.944-07:00Infused tequila<div dir="ltr">The infused vodka (strawberries and vanilla beans in a potato vodka) came out so good that I decided to try a sweet and spicy tequila. I used Hornitos with (unfortunately, frozen) strawberries and (from our garden!) jalepenos.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-gj3HtWxhP7c%2FVLVYrEfjtOI%2FAAAAAAAALcw%2FTaSobKJHasc%2Fs400%2F20141226_161220.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gj3HtWxhP7c/VLVYrEfjtOI/AAAAAAAALcw/TaSobKJHasc/s400/20141226_161220.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infusing</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr">I wouldn't drink it straight like the vodka but it would *probably* be okay in margaritas or something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-23335021892838542782014-12-20T22:47:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:19:37.675-07:00Thunderbird Cholla Trail<div dir="ltr">We're making the rounds of some different hiking trails. I liked this cactus surrounded by other cacti.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y7oFToiUuEk/VLVaMzy69yI/AAAAAAAALdU/f9Jot-YaQ1s/s1600/20141220_122459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y7oFToiUuEk/VLVaMzy69yI/AAAAAAAALdU/f9Jot-YaQ1s/s400/20141220_122459.jpg" height="400" width="225" /> </a> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-409355080358404002014-12-19T22:48:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:17:54.680-07:00Pineapple Thai chicken<div dir="ltr">I bought this sauce at the farmer's market. I like all the ingredients except some "natural" stevia.I made it with some chicken and zucchini and rice. It wasn't bad. I would probably eat it or something like it again but I don't think I'd go out of my way to buy the sauce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_LMN9CZKc28/VLVad1ti_4I/AAAAAAAALdc/vXke8EIMzRE/s1600/20141219_201434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_LMN9CZKc28/VLVad1ti_4I/AAAAAAAALdc/vXke8EIMzRE/s400/20141219_201434.jpg" height="225" width="400" /> </a> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-30895646669931342062014-12-18T22:49:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:15:23.972-07:00Supine<div dir="ltr">I can't get up. There's a dog pinning me down. I got a lot done today but now I'm exhausted.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dTfsRVaVVVY/VLValc6PrsI/AAAAAAAALdk/KgjuuUs-YvI/s400/20141218_192004.jpg" height="225" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6666669845581px; text-align: start;">"Lying down is a perfectly good position to be in. I quite recommend it."</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dTfsRVaVVVY/VLValc6PrsI/AAAAAAAALdk/KgjuuUs-YvI/s1600/20141218_192004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-2527006267088086392014-12-01T20:10:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:33:33.958-07:00Last trial visit of 2014<div dir="ltr">I got matching bandaids for my arms. Lan rarely (I think maybe never) misses but today...well, right, then left. And they both hurt. Not terribly; I didn't cry, but it hurt. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">On the eye exam, I got to Line 10 for the right eye but only Line 8 for the left eye. It was so blurry and there was a red line between 8 and 9 that was superimposed on line 9 when he asked me to read it. I. Just. Couldn't. It kind of made me want to fucking bust out crying. Of course, that's not going to help my vision!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Sensation all seemed good. He had me count backwards from 100 while testing my reflexes, since I barely have any. He said I have abdominal reflexes, which most people don't. See, I have it all!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">The 500 meter walk took 9 minutes and I think he said my EDDS is 2.5.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-44265217512884333072014-11-28T17:03:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:05:28.477-07:00Mint chocolate<div dir="ltr">Although it has some stevia, I decided to try this lovely idea: mint chocolate coconut milk. Hmm. It was...good, chocolatey, a little mint, thick like coconut milk but not as much as egg nog which I thought it was originally. The only issue that I can't get past is the aftertaste due to the stevia. I drank it but I don't think I'd buy it again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yrdswn09un0/VLVdENaZ_KI/AAAAAAAALeg/nHiapdQ307o/s1600/20141128_202806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yrdswn09un0/VLVdENaZ_KI/AAAAAAAALeg/nHiapdQ307o/s400/20141128_202806.jpg" height="400" width="225" /> </a> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-58543693472611191192014-11-14T22:40:00.004-07:002015-01-15T17:34:31.910-07:00ClassyHrm.<br /><br /><h3 class="qt-before" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center;">You are a:</h3><h3 class="qt-short" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">Classy Wife</h3><h4 class="qt-long" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">You are truly a class act. Both inside and out, you are amazingly beautiful. You have an undeniably jovial nature that always gives off radiant happiness wherever you go. You are a perfect treat that always stays delightful no matter how much time passes by. And believe it or not, you have some of the most contagious smiles. Your significant other must be incredibly grateful for you!</h4>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-19171366612540672902014-10-29T20:44:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:46:54.870-07:00Culinary Dropout<div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr">My company decided to do an annual birthday celebration so they could do something bigger and better without costing the firm more. The receptionist wanted to get everyone's orders ahead of time but I was still messaging with someone from the restaurant on FB by the time we went. She also had <a href="http://azbirddogs.blogspot.com/2014/10/sprinkles.html">asked for cupcake orders</a> so I went to Gluten Free Creations Bakery yesterday to get cupcakes.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-b1x66Y3xBaY%2FVFKcaKLXZII%2FAAAAAAAAKQM%2FxTosnsM_zU4%2Fs400%2F20141028_121252.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b1x66Y3xBaY/VFKcaKLXZII/AAAAAAAAKQM/xTosnsM_zU4/s400/20141028_121252.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Spice cupcakes</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr">We went to Culinary Dropout, which is a Fox Concepts Restaurant. I generally have good luck at their restaurants so the chef talked with me and we decided I could have a burger and sauteed veggies (in olive oil.) They don't use any soybean oil. I used the mushrooms and onions on top of the burger so I didn't even need anything else like ketchup.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-tZ7XSXxlxEw%2FVFKcZSda62I%2FAAAAAAAAKQE%2FOnLRfLQ2qqY%2Fs400%2F20141029_125452.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tZ7XSXxlxEw/VFKcZSda62I/AAAAAAAAKQE/OnLRfLQ2qqY/s400/20141029_125452.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks simple, tastes good.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr">Culinary Dropout is one of the restaurants around The Yard so we went out there to play some games. There was cornhole, ping pong, and Foosball. I played a couple rounds of Foosball. I'm not good but it was fun! I didn't play any more after that because I was already sweating and was concerned I would be stinky. My over-sweatiness is a problem without end.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">J drove back to the office so we stopped by her place to let her dogs out and I got to check out her digs. Cute place. She's making progress on her renovations.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">*****</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I've been going to a free weekly yoga class (it's only 8 weeks so I'm really trying to take advantage of it while it lasts.) Last week, the instructor told us it's not "zombie yoga" when she was reminding us to breathe.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Free yoga tonight included Halloween themed music. Very weird. I had a lot of trouble with my left hip popping and spasticity in my lower left leg so I wasn't able to really do some things on both sides. So annoying. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-11132538271815715372014-10-27T21:59:00.001-07:002014-10-30T14:49:39.140-07:00Pasta dinner<div dir="ltr">It took me a little while after I got home to get started on dinner. I had to wait for the Advil to kick in. I'm glad I didn't get my cramps during the weekend but it would be even better if I didn't have to get them at all.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Costco is selling rice pasta in a box containing 4 bags of pasta. The directions are so different from any other pasta I've cooked. It is boiled for a few minutes and then left in the hot water, burner off, for 15 minutes. I kinda messed up, forgot to stir it so it clumped, but it cooked (maybe a little too much.)</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Well, it works. My dinner was yummy. And yes, that is zucchini from our garden! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1dAaZgp6rT4/VE8ixB3nMxI/AAAAAAAAKII/rDW9dY5bs_0/s400/20141027_202707.jpg" height="225" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1dAaZgp6rT4/VE8ixB3nMxI/AAAAAAAAKII/rDW9dY5bs_0/s1600/20141027_202707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-88830244337938186052014-10-26T20:27:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:28:02.610-07:00Octoberfest 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a larger group for Octoberfest this year, so in addition to my FIL driving us, dropping us off, and picking us up, we had a second driver, our friend M who lives near us and doesn't drink. And apparently is SO nice--who doesn't drink and then spends his Saturday driving drunks?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-TN-Kwh4DX90%2FVFKdR4VU8lI%2FAAAAAAAAKQs%2Fe43dhEa_MVo%2Fs400%2F20141025_180710.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TN-Kwh4DX90/VFKdR4VU8lI/AAAAAAAAKQs/e43dhEa_MVo/s400/20141025_180710.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This coaster gets a big glass mug!</td></tr></tbody></table>Someone backed out last minute so my cousin came with us. Mick wanted to be there early so it was a little bit of a slow start but we had a blast.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-lte7LDXGG3U%2FVFKdRCuDx6I%2FAAAAAAAAKQk%2Fg0aSOL8FZmg%2Fs400%2F20141025_195132.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lte7LDXGG3U/VFKdRCuDx6I/AAAAAAAAKQk/g0aSOL8FZmg/s400/20141025_195132.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R bought shots. Of course.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were lots of "saved" seats and a lot of them never filled up. We liked the signs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-FJ_F7ZGzqTM%2FVFKdPUgpUVI%2FAAAAAAAAKQU%2FprRord13_1s%2Fs400%2F20141025_204303.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FJ_F7ZGzqTM/VFKdPUgpUVI/AAAAAAAAKQU/prRord13_1s/s400/20141025_204303.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I go both ways. Or do I?</td></tr></tbody></table>I knew I wouldn't be able to eat anything or drink the beer so I brought chili, cornbread, Tito's and lemonade.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-IOHJhkwC_MY%2FVFKdQYzB9wI%2FAAAAAAAAKQc%2F5r5AJVC0frw%2Fs400%2F20141025_202114.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IOHJhkwC_MY/VFKdQYzB9wI/AAAAAAAAKQc/5r5AJVC0frw/s400/20141025_202114.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suns Cheerleaders</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of the group spent the night. R made breakfast. The person who had backed out of going was also supposed to go to the Cardinals game with R and his girl, so Mick was able to go instead. And I was able to spend the day relaxing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-12130437320789111562014-10-25T14:06:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:13:49.477-07:00Saddle Mountain Brewery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last night, we went to our neighbor's grand opening. As I understand it, this is the first brewery to open in Goodyear. The service was terrible but it looks promising and hopefully they will work it all out. Mick invited our friend M, which surprised me since he doesn't drink (and some other reasons outside the scope of this blog), but it is a restaurant too. My SIL called and said Dr. Q told her to go out with me this weekend so I invited her too since Mick had already invited M. YES, my doctor told my SIL, who I sent to him, to go out with me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had sweet tea and a bunless burger with a "bare" side salad. My dinner came much later than everyone else's (pretty sure they messed it up and had to remake it) so I forgot to take a photo. The salad actually came first but since it had no dressing, I thought I'd wait. It was spring mix and spinach with cranberries and tomatoes. I finally decided I couldn't wait and ate most of by the time my burger arrived. The salad and burger were good. I think Mick and M really liked their pizzas and my SIL liked her sandwich. M and my SIL got a flight of beers and found one they both liked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even with the service hiccups, we had fun. They came back to our house to hang out a little before heading home.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.ggpht.com%2F-i_kbbC8mGxg%2FVFKeaJ3tUFI%2FAAAAAAAAKQ4%2F5TR3-lNrd2c%2Fs400%2F20141024_192410.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i_kbbC8mGxg/VFKeaJ3tUFI/AAAAAAAAKQ4/5TR3-lNrd2c/s400/20141024_192410.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, I got my hair color done--wash those grays away! I mentioned to a couple people, including Mick, that I was thinking of going a little redder. Since I have some red undertones anyway, my hairdresser said she wanted to mix my old brown color in with the redder color this time, see how it takes, and then go all with the new color next time. It turned out fantastic.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I came home, he told me he doesn't like the color. WTH. Can a wife get a muther-effin compliment in here? (The answer to that is NO, in case you don't know.)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Update: I have a photo on tomorrow's post if you want to see the color. No compliments necessary. I got them from M (who knew I was having it done) and my coworker/friend J (who did not know I was getting it done.)</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Update 2: I sent Mick the free head shot I got at my recent conference and he replied with a comment about "hottie" so apparently I CAN get a muther-effin compliment! A little more often would be nice but I guess that's what I have friends for.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-31250914653120773242014-10-24T17:27:00.000-07:002014-10-30T13:28:06.816-07:00The Lagasse Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I received this gift from my generous coworker. I hope to find a few things I can make. I should look at my old Emeril Lagasse cookbooks and see if I can make anything from those....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Xpz4bf0KBA/VFKerXiYKAI/AAAAAAAAKRI/KSTCsq_-gaw/s1600/20141024_130152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Xpz4bf0KBA/VFKerXiYKAI/AAAAAAAAKRI/KSTCsq_-gaw/s400/20141024_130152.jpg" height="400" width="225" /> </a> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-16222082239487514332014-10-23T22:33:00.000-07:002014-10-30T13:34:14.976-07:00Hodgson Mill cornbread mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made chili using a couple of pounds of the ground elk from Mick's hunt. I decided to try a cornbread mix I picked up at Albertsons. This is Hodgson Mills; I used egg replacer for the two eggs. I accidently only made enough for one replacement egg and then had to add the second one last minute.&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.ggpht.com%2F-2OP_07ruBKM%2FVFKemJwtlzI%2FAAAAAAAAKRA%2FyJn1SgauPRg%2Fs400%2F20141023_201214.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2OP_07ruBKM/VFKemJwtlzI/AAAAAAAAKRA/yJn1SgauPRg/s400/20141023_201214.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made them as muffins.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It wasn't bad but a little denser than I like. I think I would use applesauce for one of the eggs next time, and maybe a double amount of applesauce so it would be less dry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-65758644113048685092014-10-22T21:42:00.000-07:002014-10-22T21:42:00.254-07:00SprinklesOur office admin sent a cute email today about our upcoming birthday celebration. It even had a photo of a Minion. We're ordering cupcakes from <a href="http://www.sprinkles.com/cupcakes/flavors/menu">Sprinkles</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGlw0HaAdk0/VEhBdBXO4BI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/pQlAMqgVm-g/s1600/m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGlw0HaAdk0/VEhBdBXO4BI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/pQlAMqgVm-g/s1600/m.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><br />Well, that's a bummer. I mean, I never get to take part in the food stuff anyway, but the admin actually came into my office and get my order. She was pretty sure I could have something. So I looked it up and they don't list ingredients but they do have a gluten-free cupcake and a vegan cupcake. She thought vegan meant also gluten-free, so just an FYI, y'all, um, vegans don't eat animal products but they can have wheat, um-kay. Somewhere between a combination of those two, I might be able to have a cupcake, but alas, never shall the two be combined.<br /><br />I guess I'll make a trip to Gluten Free Creations Bakery to pick up my own cupcakes so I don't feel totally left out. FML. It never fucking stops. It will never fucking stop. This is my life, for the rest of my life. Will I ever get over the sadness of it all?Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-78506414427580588362014-10-20T19:14:00.000-07:002014-10-30T15:47:49.696-07:00Successful or happyMy naturopathic chiropractor, Dr. Q kind of acts as my therapist while he is adjusting my everything and dealing with how my body holds stress. I like getting his (male) perspective, even though I know to a degree it must be biased because he only hears my side of whatever we are discussing. But he knows how it makes me feel--my body is telling him!<br /><br />I usually lay on the table face down, then face up, but today, he had me stand first while he did adjustments on my shoulders and arms. Then we moved to the table. I had some painful areas that might be sore later.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.behaviorgap.com/behavior-gap-newsletter-chasing-success-happiness/">Chasing Success or Happiness</a>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-34720648096796997752014-10-19T20:58:00.000-07:002014-10-23T18:38:16.591-07:00My life<div dir="ltr">Today's hike was at one of my favorite trails at Thunderbird Park. My friend B came from the other end of town and he was even early. M meet us at my house and he was just a little early too. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">We headed north and met my friend/coworker J with her little dogs. My friend R who I know through B was supposed to meet us but overslept. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I forgot that we are perhaps not really in shape for this hike yet. At the end, B called it easy and M later called it fun but I thought he might not make it when we were on the ascent. B has a manual job; that's all the exercise he gets. M has a sedentary job and gets no exercise. I have a sedentary job but I get some exercise!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I offered to make waffles so we all headed to my house but made a stop at the grocery store first so B could use the restroom and J could get strawberries. M and I stayed in the car and waited. When they returned, J had a package of Reese's peanut butter cups and was handing them out. When I said I couldn't have it, her reaction and B's reaction....I forget how people are sometimes. I'm more prepared when it's not friends but I forget that some of my friends aren't around all the time for these things. B made some comment about how much my life sucks and for just a moment, I felt like I was going to fall apart. Yeah, if fucking sucks. But it's the only life I have. I think I covered it up okay for J and B; I just tried to jokingly say FML, yeah it sucks. But it didn't get past M. I don't think he gets it but he knew it upset me. My cover is blown!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Back at my house, I made waffles and bacon. I'm not sure if B liked them or not but J did and M said he was surprised but the waffles were "amazing." YES! There are a lot of things I still don't know how to make in a way that I'd serve it to regular people but I think I've got the waffles covered.</div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-71666205035170833992014-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:002014-10-23T18:24:12.470-07:00North Italia<div dir="ltr">My drive to work was terrible. Like the I-10 was closed kind of terrible. But I made it in and our lunchtime meeting was canceled so someone was planning a lunch out of the office. They choose North Italia, thinking I'd be able to eat there.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I wasn't so sure. I'm sure I've been there before and had an okay salad. But today. Today, they did me right. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">They have a corn based gluten free pasta that does not contain amaranth. (I'm guessing Schar brand.) Most of their pasta sauces contain dairy but the waitress recommended the spicy shrimp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-QXVOhBydlhU%2FVEGIEIFTDoI%2FAAAAAAAAJ5g%2F2VGntPG6YhQ%2Fs400%2F20141017_121734.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QXVOhBydlhU/VEGIEIFTDoI/AAAAAAAAJ5g/2VGntPG6YhQ/s400/20141017_121734.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div dir="ltr">It was fantastic. Garlicky and yummy. A coworker tried some of nearly everyone's lunch and proclaimed my lunch the second best, after her gnocchi. Winner!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0